Early Childhood Education

Early childhood education (birth–age 8) is at the top of the national agenda, yet many children do not have access to the educational settings that they need. In a 3–5 page well-developed paper, please address the following:
1. Describe the characteristics of high quality early childhood programs.
2. Discuss at least three benefits of early childhood education (examples should be research-based).
3. Discuss a policy or policy initiative relating to early childhood education (such as NCLB, IDEA, Early Intervention, Head Start, and so on).
4. Apply critical thinking, ethics, and communication skills expected of a professional in the field of child psychology.
You are urged to use Capella University’s Undergraduate Writing Center, a resource to help you develop clear and effective writing. Here you’ll be able to receive feedback on your writing, use writing resources, discover new writing strategies, and explore different ways to draft, revise, edit, and proofread your own work.

Chapter 18 Assignment
In Chapter 18 one of the areas that was reviewed in the health and wellness of children. In our country we have an epidemic of unhealthy children. There is some debate as to why this is. Is it that more children are growing up in households where both parents work so meals are fast and on the go? Is it that children are involved in more activites outside of the home? Or a combination of both things and other factors?

The state of North Carolina has joined in the many efforts around the country to address the issues behind children and healthy lifestyles. There are programs and changes at restaurants that pop-up daily, there are federal and state mandates surrounding nutrition that change regularly and ideas that are always being examined to improve the health and wellness of children. Did you know that the current generation, if we do not change the national culture, will not outlive their parents? Think about how scary that would be for it to become common that children pass away first.

This week in order to understand the efforts already happening in your county. Your assignment is to research SHAPE NC in NC child cares. Read about the initiative and summarize their efforts in NC. In addition I want you to reach out to your local Partnership for Children/Smart Start Office and learn about the programs, if any, that they are doing to change the lives of young children and their families surrounding health, physical activity and nutrition in child cares/homes.

You will need to type up your summary of the SHAPE NC program, in your own words, and then type 1-2 paragraphs explaining the efforts for increasing the health of children through the work of your local partnership.